Scriptural Foundations for Ethical Media Practice

By V.A. Mohamad Ashrof, New Age Islam 08 November 2024 In today's dynamic media landscape, where influence and impact are profound, timeless principles – truth, fairness and privacy respect – are paramount. Media practitioners wield significant power, akin to a double-edged sword, capable of illuminating, inspiring or misleading and harming. This authority brings moral responsibility to uphold ethical standards. Sacred texts – the Quran, Bible and Bhagavad Gita – offer guiding moral frameworks, emphasizing truthfulness, justice and human dignity. This paper examines how these scriptures can inspire ethical journalism, serving as a north star for media professionals navigating complex responsibilities. Truthfulness as a Pillar of Ethical Reporting Truthfulness, a beacon for maintaining public trust, is a bedrock of ethical reporting. The Quran warns against mixing truth with falsehood (Q.2:42) and commands believers to walk the path of honesty (Q.33:70). Similarly, the Bible underscores that "Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment” (Proverbs 12:19), reminding media professionals that truth is a rock, while lies are but sand washed away by the tides. In our "information age," where falsehoods spread like wildfire, both scriptures champion fact-checking. Proverbs 14:5 emphasizes, “An honest witness does not deceive, but a false witness pours out lies,” aligning with the Quranic caution in Q.49:6 to verify information. Together, these passages highlight the media’s duty to separate wheat from chaff, presenting facts transparently and building a bridge of trust with the public. Justice and Fairness in Media Coverage Justice, the heart and soul of ethical reporting, is championed by the Quran, which urges believers to "stand firm in justice" (Q.5:8) and to "order justice and good conduct" (Q.16:90). Similarly, the Bible reminds us that justice is a core moral duty: “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good… to act justly and to love mercy” (Micah 6:8). This verse calls on media practitioners to leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of fair, balanced reporting. Additionally, Isaiah 1:17’s charge to “seek justice, encourage the oppressed” empowers media professionals to be a voice for the voiceless, reflecting the Quran’s call in Q.23:8-9 to uphold public trust. When media embraces fairness as its guiding light, it serves as society’s mirror, representing diverse voices and bolstering public trust. Respect for Human Dignity and Privacy The Quran’s declaration, “We have certainly honoured the children of Adam” (Q.7:180), affirms the sacred worth of every person. The Bible echoes this in Genesis 1:27, reminding that humans are “created… in the image of God.” This shared belief in human dignity urges media to walk on eggshells, taking great care not to harm with sensational or degrading depictions. Q.49:12’s admonition to avoid prying aligns with Jesus’s teaching in Matthew 7:12: “Do to others what you would have them do to you,” which is also the Golden Rule. This is the ethical gold standard in journalism, encouraging media to respect personal boundaries and resist the siren call of sensationalism. Both texts emphasize that preserving human dignity and privacy keeps the media from being a bull in a china shop, ensuring that it protects, rather than shatters, individual rights. Constructive and Respectful Communication The Quran discourages speech that sows discord (Q.9:119), calling believers “brothers” (Q.49:10) and encouraging unity. This dovetails with the Bible’s counsel in Ephesians 4:29: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up.” Such counsel inspires the media to be a bridge, not a barrier, uniting rather than dividing society. With the power of words to cut like a knife or heal like a balm, media professionals can use their platform to mend rifts and build bridges. By fostering respectful communication, media can serve as society’s glue, promoting understanding and cohesion over division and discord. Wisdom and Judiciousness in Media Reporting Wisdom is a crown jewel in the Quran (Q.42:42) and is equally treasured in the Bible. Proverbs 3:13 reminds us, “Blessed are those who find wisdom.” Wisdom, for media professionals, is akin to the rudder that keeps their ship steady in a storm of breaking news. This value calls on journalists to approach topics with careful judgment, weighing public interest against potential harm. Wisdom in reporting means choosing stories with the public’s good at heart and steering clear of sensationalism. Acting with discernment allows media to balance immediacy with integrity, showing that, like gold refined in the fire, quality reporting shines brightest under scrutiny. Encouraging Righteousness and Constructive Engagement The Quran encourages sharing beneficial knowledge (Q.74:1-7) and guiding people toward ethical conduct (Q.6:151). Likewise, Colossians 3:17 advises, “Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus,” reminding media professionals to let their words be a lamp to their audiences’ feet, illuminating paths to greater understanding and growth. As both texts support the dissemination of meaningful knowledge, media professionals can be like rivers flowing with fresh insight, bringing positive influence to all they touch. Ethical engagement in media creates a ripple effect, shaping society for the better and ensuring the media’s lasting impact as a fountain of truth, insight, and benefit for all. With truthfulness, justice, dignity, and wisdom as guiding stars, both the Quran and the Bible outline a sturdy ethical framework for media practices. By embodying these shared values, media professionals can serve as the eyes and ears of the public, inspiring trust and fostering unity. In a world where information flows like a rushing river, these time-tested principles act as a levee, ensuring that media serves as a steady, responsible force. Through this commitment to shared values, media can rise to be a city on a hill, a beacon of truth and compassion that champions the dignity of all, guides society toward unity, and nurtures a world rooted in wisdom and integrity. Hindu Perspective on Media Ethics Hindu scriptures also offer a treasure trove of wisdom, much like an ancient tree with deep roots, providing a framework for truthfulness, integrity, and responsibility. This article explores media ethics through the lens of the Vedas and Upanishads, serving as a guiding lamp for ethical practices. 1. Truthfulness and Positive Communication The cornerstone of ethical media practices lies in truthfulness. The Rig Veda urges us to “Let your words be truthful and let them be auspicious” (Rig Veda 10.191.2), suggesting that honesty is the soil from which good communication grows. Similarly, the Taittiriya Upanishad advises, “Speak the truth, do your duty” (Taittiriya Upanishad 1.11.3), underscoring that media professionals must uphold truth and fulfil their responsibilities, much like pillars supporting the temple of public trust. This principle is a reminder to handle truth as one would a delicate, precious gem, preserving it without distortion. 2. The Bedrock of Virtues Truth is not merely a virtue; it is the bedrock on which all ethical behaviour stands. The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad asserts, “Truth is the foundation of all virtues” (Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 5.2.3). In the realm of media, this means that rigorous fact-checking is the backbone of responsible journalism, and misinformation is a slippery slope leading to lost credibility. By rooting itself in truth, the media can avoid being led astray and can uphold its duty to inform and educate with clarity and reliability. 3. Inspiring Goodness and Righteousness The Bhagavad Gita draws a line in the sand between the divine and the demonic, stating, “There are two kinds of beings: the divine and the demonic. The divine is inclined towards goodness and truth.” (Bhagavad Gita 16.6) Media professionals, as torchbearers of information, are encouraged to align themselves with the path of goodness and truth, ensuring that their work promotes ethical values and constructive engagement. Just as a lighthouse guides ships safely to shore, ethical media can steer society away from divisiveness and misinformation, bringing it closer to unity and enlightenment. 4. The Embodiment of Righteousness Truthfulness is the heart of righteousness. The Chandogya Upanishad states, “One who speaks truth is the embodiment of righteousness.” (Chandogya Upanishad 7.26.2) For media practitioners, this means that their commitment to truth should reflect in their dedication to fairness and justice in reporting. Fair reporting is like a level playing field, ensuring that all sides are given a voice and that coverage remains impartial. By doing so, media can be society’s pillar of fairness, supporting a more just and equitable community. 5. Sincerity in Communication Sincerity is a guiding light in ethical media practices. The Atharva Veda calls for speech to be free from deceit, “May our words be free from deceit and falsehood.” (Atharva Veda 12.1.45) In the fast-paced media world, where stories can change at the drop of a hat, this principle reminds professionals to prioritize sincerity and authenticity over sensationalism. In the words of this Vedic wisdom, sincerity is the steady hand that keeps media from falling prey to misleading narratives or bending the truth to fit popular trends. 6. Supremacy of Truth The Mahabharata reinforces the supremacy of truth with, “Truthfulness is the highest virtue.” (Mahabharata, Anushasana Parva 66.23) This timeless wisdom stands as a guiding star for media ethics, reminding practitioners that truth must remain the highest priority, even if it’s a bitter pill to swallow. By making truth the north star of their work, media professionals ensure that their narratives hold water and serve the public honestly, without giving in to the temptation of altering facts for fleeting gains. 7. Omnipresence of Truth The Rig Veda celebrates the omnipresence of truth, “O Truth, thou art the lord of all that exists.” (Rig Veda 5.51.1) This poetic expression conveys that truth is universal, as ever-present as the air we breathe, guiding media professionals to stay steadfast in their pursuit of honest and transparent communication. Just as the sun lights the way for all, truth illuminates the path for ethical journalism, ensuring that the media serves as a mirror, not a magnifying glass that distorts reality. 8. Inner Purity and Ethical Reporting The Katha Upanishad emphasizes inner purity, stating, “The self is not known through discourse, argument or learning. It is known through the purity of the heart” (Katha Upanishad 3.14). For media professionals, this underscores the importance of cultivating inner integrity, ensuring that their work reflects genuine intentions and ethical standards. Like a well-tended garden, media ethics requires weeding out biases and cultivating honesty, so the fruits of reporting are nourishing and beneficial to all. The Hindu perspective on media ethics, rooted in the Vedas and Upanishads, offers a rich tapestry of principles that emphasize truthfulness, non-violence, fairness, and self-control. These values act as the moral compass for media professionals, guiding them through the rough waters of public scrutiny and the fast currents of digital communication. By integrating these timeless values into their work, media professionals can be the bedrock of public trust, navigating their responsibilities with integrity and contributing to a more informed, just, and compassionate society. As the custodians of information, media practitioners must align their practices with these ethical guidelines, ensuring their influence is a steady hand on the wheel, steering society toward the greater good. Hindu scriptures remind us that ethical journalism, like a tree deeply rooted in the soil of truth, can withstand the winds of change and continue to bear fruit for generations to come. How Media Ethics Converge? The following quotes demonstrate a convergence of thought on the similarities inherent in media ethics across various religious traditions: “Perhaps, based on the logical propositions of Amar Ma’ruf Nahi Munkar (commanding right and forbidding wrong), practiced by the Ummah (community), as well as adhering to Tawheed (the oneness of God-Allah), we find concepts such as Khayr (goodness), birr (righteousness), Qist (equity), ‘Adl (justice and balance), Haqq (truth and right), Ma’ruf (approved and recognized good), and taqwa (piety), all of which are relevant in discussing ethics in a globalized world.” (Zaheril, p. 153) "Amidst the ambiguity of Christian responses to violence, there are biblical longings for peace beyond present violence. These longings involve witness, hospitality, friendship, and worship, offering crucial correctives within an often violent world. Ethical engagement with media is essential, as it shapes social and moral perspectives. Christians must thoughtfully navigate these complex realities." (Mitchell, p. xiv) “Social media and other technologies present ethical dilemmas unknown before the present century. Many face challenges related to healthcare, whether at the beginning of life or near its end. Jewish tradition offers insights into these issues, helping us to think through our circumstances and make the best possible decisions.” (Scheindlin, pp. xxii–xxiii) Finally, from the Mahabharata: “Dharma is the highest virtue, and truth is the highest dharma.” (Ganguli, p. 416) Bibliography Ganguli, KM, Trans: Mahabharata, Anushasana Parva, Chapter 114, Verse 8, Delhi: Munshiram Manoharlal Publishers, 2004 Mitchell, Jolyon, Media Violence and Christian Ethics, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2007 Scheindlin, Rabbi Neal, The Jewish Family Ethics Textbook, Philadelphia: Jewish Publication Society, 2021 Zaheril, Zainudin, Islamic New Media Ethics, Online Journal of Communication and Media Technologies, Volume: 7 – Issue: 1, January – 2017 ----- (V.A. Mohamad Ashrof is a renowned Indian scholar of Islamic humanism, regularly contributing insightful articles to Newageislam. With unwavering passion, he pioneers Quranic interpretations that champion human dignity, peace and societal progress. His scholarly work inspires transformative change, cultivating critical thought, inclusive dialogue and harmonious coexistence, envisioning a just and compassionate society. He receives his mail at: vamashrof@gmail.com) ------ URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-media/scriptural-foundations-media-practice/d/133652 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism